I found this interesting piece of information in the Wikipedia article
concerning the history of the Polaris SLBM: "During its
reconstruction in 1957-1961, the Italian cruiser Giuseppe Garibaldi
received four launchers for Polaris missiles. However, despite
successful tests held in 1961-1962, most of the missiles were never
shipped to Italy, for political reasons. The Italian Navy still holds
a number of Polaris missiles in operational conditions, ready to use
if necessary, stored in an airtight facility in the La Spezia
Arsenal."

A little googling seems to have verifyed that the work to modify the
Garibaldi, and that at least test shot was made, but . . . Does anyone
know if the Italian Navy still possesses these missiles? It would
seem that they would be very difficult to near impossible to ever make
ready for use given the 60’s-era vintage of their systems (where do
you even find parts). I would also wonder about the potential for
slumping in the 45year old solid rocket motors.

Thanks and fair skies and following seas to you all . . .

John

According to this site of the Italian Navy, the test vehicles were
mockups

http://www.marina.difesa.it/storia/a...4/navi0432.asp